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Together in Christ: 'Reflecting the Goodness of God' — 1 Peter 2:8-10 Saturday, March 9, 2024 [People] stumble because they do not obey God's word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. "Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God's people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy." — 1 Peter 2:8-10 NLT Key Thought We must not live by the same values as the unsaved people around us. [1] Why? In today's verses, Peter lists several powerful reasons why we should live by Jesus' standards as we demonstrate the values of God's Kingdom to the watching world: We are chosen by God to be His holy people, part of His royal family. God wants us to live as His priests, declaring the goodness of God to a world trapped in darkness. We are equipped to do this because we know our identity as God's people, His children, who are made for this purpose. We show others God's goodness because He has blessed us with His mercy, and we want to share it with others. We refuse to let the low standards of the world around us drag us down into its darkness. [2] Instead, we choose to reflect God's light, mercy, and goodness to those around us. [3] As God's chosen people, His priests, we enter every relationship with a specific purpose: We want to bring His blessing to the people around us.[ 4] We realize that we are God's redemptive touch that He wants to be shared with the people in our lives! [1] Romans 12:1-2, 21. [2] 1 John 2:15-17. [3] Matthew 5:13-16. [4] 1 Peter 3:8-9, 15-16. TODAY'S PRAYER Father, please awaken me, and awaken my brothers and sisters in Christ, to the astounding realization that You have placed us in our relationships on purpose and with purpose. You have given us these relationships — our families, friendships, coworkers, neighbors, waiters, clerks, attendants, and everyone we meet — intentionally so we can be Your blessing in them. Awaken me to my holy role of blessing others for their eternal welfare. Help me understand the opportunities You have given me for this divine calling. I ask all of this in Jesus' name. Amen. RELATED SCRIPTURE READINGS Romans 12:1-2, 9-21 1 Peter 2:1-17